I agree with Lee. A review of the PostGrad DSA is long overdue. The PG DSA
seems to assume students are progressing straight into postgrad studies and
can continue to use any equipment provided for their degree, when in reality
many people start PG studies after developing serious disabilities e.g. to
re-train.
Even if a blind or deaf student can continue to use all the equipment
provided at undergraduate level, there is less than half the undergraduate
funding available for personal assistance/'non-medical helpers'. This
doesn't make sense when students at PG level studies often have more complex
and specialist support requirements, especially students with sensory
impairments.
Some (a small number) students might be eligible for funding through
Research Councils, who usually provide undergrad equivalent DSA. This isn't
fair for students who aren't eligible for research council funding.
If the student is undertaking paid employment as part of the placement then
funding for support could be provided through access to work. This can be
difficult to set up for short work placements.
Surely, this is something QAG or NADO must already be working on as it's
been an issue for so long now?
Ian Francis
----- Original Message -----
From: "Smith, Lee" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, September 07, 2005 11:55 AM
Subject: Re: Supporting a profoundly deaf student on placement
Emma
Just to add to that, the postgrad DSA is also woefully inadequate for blind
students and is causing a number of difficulties at present. Surely, the
allowance must be increased for students with certain disabilities??
Best wishes
Lee Smith
RNIB Post-Compulsory Education and Training Officer, Bristol
-----Original Message-----
From: Discussion list for disabled students and their support staff.
[mailto:[log in to unmask]]On Behalf Of Emma J Price
Sent: 06 September 2005 13:37
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Supporting a profoundly deaf student on placement
Dear all
Could I ask what the guidance there is regarding DSA paying for
Non-Medical Helper support on placements - is the general principle
that funding for these communication support costs should be claimed
via DSA? Is there any responsibility to fund communication support
costs on the placement provider in an educational situation? (I know
there is in terms of work placements and employment law)
Also, is anything happening with regards to a review of the non-medical
helpers component for deaf students? The provision for a student on a
full-time, professional-registration masters programme is woefully
falling short - we will naturally provide back-up funding for
reasonable levels, though I wondered if there was a duty elsewhere to
assist?
Emma
----------------------
Emma Price
Disability Co-ordinator
Equality and Diversity Department
King's College London
--
I am using the free version of SPAMfighter for private users.
It has removed 15076 spam emails to date.
Paying users do not have this message in their emails.
Try www.SPAMfighter.com for free now!
|